Edmund couldn't understand why Tobias was arguing.  It wasn't his life, or his ability to read and write, or his children.  He wished they could just move on from this topic - he was embarrassed as it was, and he really didn't want Mable to say something that would upset the man.

"She's just - she's just a kid," he tried.  "I can't expect her to me a teacher to me, not while I'm taking care of her."  Mable bit her lip, though her eyes kept flicking between her food, Edmund, and Tobias.